The UA Rise circuit has been good to Texas this year. We have a total of 6 teams and 5 of them have winning records. Two of them haven't lost a game yet. We'll recap our coverage of the teams starting with the two undefeated programs.

TX Impact 2020 6'11 C Jon Aku

TX Impact 4:13 is sitting atop of the standings at 8-0 in the Anotomix Division. They were stellar this weekend blowing out most of their opponents. This team is well balanced but the unquestioned star is Top 150 ranked 2020 6'11 C Jon Aku. Jon has been a staple this summer for TX Impact. They have gotten consistent contributions from 2020 6'7 F Michaiah Abii, 2021 6'0 PG Imo Essien, 2021 6'3 PG Zhuric Phelps and 2020 6'4 G Drake Muller among others. This team plays for each other and their 8-0 record on the UA Rise reflects that. They should be one of the favorites to win the inaugural UA Rise Championship in July.

Dallas Showtyme 2020 6'5 wing Sherman Brashear

Dallas Showtyme is sitting atop the Drive Division at 8-0 after two UA Rise sessions. Big E always has his team playing tough and getting better headed into the summer months. Showtyme has received big time contributions from a host of different players. 2020 6'5 wing Sherman Brashear has had a coming out party this summer. 2020 6'4 F Day Day Hall has been a monster around the rim and 2020 5'10 PG BJ Francis has been a steady hand at the point guard position. Expect the Gorillas to make a run at a UA Rise Championship in July.

Cooz Elite 6'3 PG Jahari Long

Cooz Elite is right in the thick of things on UA Rise at 6-2 in the Drive Division. Their guard play was phenomenal this weekend. Getting big contributions from 2020 6'3 PG Jahari Long, 2020 6'4 G Rubin Jones, 2020 6'1 G DA Houston and 2020 6'1 G Elijah Elliott. These 4 guards give Cooz a chance to win every time they step on the floor. If they can find a way to consistently rebound in July they'll have a chance to knock off a few teams in search of a UA Rise Championship.

Lone Star Elite 2020 6'2 SG Devon Hancock

Lone Star Elite-Mustangs had a 3-1 weekend to get right back in the race. Sitting at 5-3 in the Anotomix Division they look primed to make a run. This team can really shoot the basketball. 2020 6'2 SG Devon Hancock was one of the leading scorers on the Rise this weekend and 2020 6'1 G Mekai Pope opened the weekend with a 30 point, 8 rebounds and 8 assists performance. 2020 6'7 F CJ Kelley registered two double doubles this weekend. With this type of production the Lone Star Elite-Mustangs will be look to make a deep run towards a UA Rise Championship.

BMM 2020 6'7 wing Quevian Adger

BMM struggled this weekend but they still sit at 5-3 in the UA Rise Drive Division. 2020 6'7 wing Quevian Adger is one of the top players in the country and he showed it in a matchup with Cooz Elite. He scored from all three levels and played excellent defense. With Adger, BMM will always have a chance to win games as most times he's the most talented player on the floor. They have received contributions from 2021 5'9 PG Elijah Taylor, 2020 6'4 G Preston Lawrence, 2020 6'7 F Kobe Ollison and 2019 5'10 G Tre Hester. They will need more from all of those guys to help them make a run at a UA Rise Championship in July.

Micah Peavy had a heck of a run in helping lead his Duncanville High School team to a 6A State Championship. He capped the run with an MVP selection after averaging a double double in San Antonio. Peavy seems to have carried that momentum into one of the best spring live period performances in the country this year.

Peavy was one of the best players in Session 1 of the EYBL. He averaged 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists per game while leading his team to a 3-1 record. He has recently re-opened his recruitment from his final 5 and has picked up offers from Arkansas, Oklahoma St., Texas and Oregon in the last two weeks. Peavy looks like he's playing with serious confidence and his production is at an ELITE level.

Peavy is right on the cusp from a rankings perspective for some McDonald All-American and Jordan Brand game invites. Currently ranked at #42 in the 2020 class according to ESPN gives him a chance to get into these games with continued production like he had during the first live period. He has definitely put himself in a position to continue his ascension as a prospect in the 2020 class.

The world knows about Harrison Ingram the basketball player. He is a consensus Top 30 prospect in the class of 2021. He holds offers from the likes of Baylor, Stanford, UCLA, Kansas, Texas, TCU, Illinois and a host of other Power 5 programs. The 6'7 versatile wing does a lot of things very well on the basketball court. He can score, rebound, pass, defend you name it. He led his St. Mark's team to an improbable run this year to a DISD championship game appearance. These are all things the average basketball person already knows about Ingram.

Harrison Ingram the student might be a better prospect than Harrison Ingram the basketball player. Ingram attends one of the top high school academic institutions in the country at St. Mark's. There is a rigorous process for admission and students leave there prepared to receive an Ivy League degree.

Ingram's ability to excel at both academics and athletics at such a high level isn't the norm. This is one of the attributes that separates him from many of his peers. The ability to lock in and work hard enough to be considered an ELITE student and athlete takes a lot of sacrifice and hard work. I expect for Harrison to be one of the most sought after 2021 prospects in the country over the next two years.

Baylor Hebb and Logan McLaughlin took the state by storm last summer with their ability to score the basketball. Fast forward a year later and now America is taking notice. One of the most dynamic backcourts in the state has continued to produce at a high level and show no signs of slowing down.

2020 6'2 G Logan McLaughlin

Logan is out nursing a broken wrist and just picked up an offer from Wisconsin-Green Bay, that tells you how talented this young man is. Logan was off to a hot start this spring before the injury and his recruitment shows that. The 6'2 guard holds another offer from Abilene Christian and has received interest from Kansas St., Northern Iowa, Iowa, Oklahoma, UNT and a host of others. Logan is a couple of weeks out from being cleared and I expect his recruitment to take off once coaches get to see him live in July.

2020 6'2 G Baylor Hebb

Baylor Hebb has raised his profile as a prospect as much as any guard in the state through the first live session. The 6'2 G has torched everybody he's played this year. He hit Texas Hardwork for 34 in a win and the Texas Titans for 28 in a win. During the spring live period at NY2LA Hebb went for, 24, 48 and 28 in three games and has started to pick up offers and interest. Hebb currently holds offers from Abilene Christian, UTA, Wisconsin-Green Bay, Ohio and Bucknell. He is drawing serious interest from Colorado, Colorado St., Illinois, SMU and Texas. The baby faced assassin is as mean as they come on the floor and can score from every level as he's proven this spring. Look for his recruitment to continue to grow in the coming weeks.

The duo holds the same offer from Wisconsin-Green Bay and Abilene Christian. Can you imagine them teaming up in college and doing this in the NCAA Tournament one day? I surely can. For now they will continue to make up one of the country's top backcourts and represent the 3d Academy moniker "Flame Thrower U."

The Texas Titans were arguably one of the EYBL's best during session one as one of only four teams to finish 4-o. A lot of people questioned how having a team with so much individual talent would work, based off what I saw they are one of the most unselfish groups on the circuit. The backcourt of Cade Cunningham, Mike Miles and Rondel Walker are one of the best in the country. Walker did an outstanding job guarding Hampton on Friday night and whoever else was in front of him the rest of the weekend. Milesaveraged 10 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists a game this weekend shooting 49% from the floor and having only 2 turnovers. Cunningham is averaging 26 point 6 rebounds and 7 assists per game while shooting a blistering 62% from the floor after session one. The front court of Greg Brown, JaKobe Coles and Richard Amafuele are one of the best in the country. Coles is averaging 11 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists per game while shooting 49% from the floor. Amafuele is shooting 63% from the floor Brown is averaging 17 points and 9 rebounds per game while shooting 71% from the floor after session one. This team got major contributions from every one of those players and Tyler McGhie made some key shots in big moments to help lead this team to a 4-0 record after session one.

Nike Pro Skills was one of the highest scoring teams in the EYBL this session. With Micah Peavy and KK Robinsonleading the way Pro Skills finished session one 3-1. Peavy was clearly one of the five best players in the gym this weekend. He was aggressive from the first whistle Friday night all the way through the last whistle Sunday morning. Peavy is averaging 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field after session 1. He has re-opened his recruitment and picked up offers from Arkansas and the University of Texas this weekend. KK Robinson was a maestro all weekend for Pro Skills. He averaged 19 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists shooting a blistering 57.5% this weekend. He picked up offers from La Tech and UTEP this weekend. 2021 Arthur Kaluma started slow but woke up the last 2 games including a double double in the last game with 12 points and 10 boards. 2020 6'9 F Montreal Pena Jr. was limited due to injury but while he was in there he did what he does, play with a motor and play above the rim. 2020's 5'9 G Cody Deen 6'6 G Michael Jefferson and 6'8 F Kenny Hunter both gave Pro Skills excellent minutes as well. This team is deep, they play hard and they play for each other.

Drive Nation struggled to an 0-4 record during the first session. The EYBL is a tough place to play as far as wins and losses go but they did have a few standouts. RJ Hampton was his usual self scoring the ball all weekend to a tune of 29 points 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game and listed for having 0 turnovers in four games on 41 % shooting from the field. Jamal Shead struggled through the first 3 games but finished strong against the NY Rens, he is averaging 11 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds while shooting 26% from the field. 2020 6’8 Longview F Malik Henryhad a nice weekend scoring in the paint shooting 69% from the field and rebounding. 2020 6’8 F Donte Houston played well in spurts. 2020 6’5 SG Jake Milkereit averaged 9 points per game shooting 47 % from the field. 2020 6'8 F Caleb Lohner struggled this weekend getting in a rhythm. He averaged 8 points and 7 rebounds on 34% shooting from the field. Peach Jam looks bleak for Drive Nation right now, they have the talent and one of the best players in the country to right the ship during the next session.

The 2019 HS Season was one of the best in recent memory in the DFW. Coaches did a phenomenal job of scheduling early non conference matchups that the Metroplex wanted to see. There was no “duck season” at all this year. It seemed like everybody played everybody! Not to mention capping off this season with a clean sweep of UIL State Championships at the 1A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A levels. Frisco Legacy and Grace Prep also won TAPPS State Championships. The talent in the city this year was special and that’s why compiling this list was so tough.

Player of The Year : Drew Timme JJ Pearce

Drew Timme

Drew Timme was consistently dominant the entire year. The 6'10 Gonzaga signee averaged 23 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists per game this year for Pearce. He led his team to big wins all year while scoring against double and triple teams. His consistent production is what landed him the award as TheTB5Reports DFW Player of The Year.

Rookie of The Year: Keyonte George

Keyonte George

Keyonte hit the ground running as a freshman for Lewisville this season. He averaged 21 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game. The 2022 prospect picked up offers from a slew of high major programs in the process. Keyonte is one of the top guards in the country and one to track over the next three years.

Sophomore of The Year: Harrison Ingram

Harrison Ingram

Harrison Ingram led St. Mark's to uncharted waters this year. The top 25 sophomore averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists per game.

Coach of The Year: Duane Gregory Mansfield Timberview

Duane Gregory

This was the toughest decision I had to make for an individual award. Candidates like David Peavy (Duncanville) and Brandon Thomas (Faith Family) made this tough. Coach Gregory won a 5A State Championship this year after losing Chris Mullins and Isaac Likekele to Rice and Oklahoma St. and transfers Trey Tennyson (Central Connecticut St. signee) and one of the top 2020 prospects in the state in Jaquan Scott. Coach Gregory has done a phenomenal job winning two state championships in the last three years.

First Team All-DFW

Tyrese Maxey South Garland

Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey had a tremendous senior campaign for South Garland coming up just short of a state championship appearance . The University of Kentucky signee averaged 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game.

Jahmius Ramsey Duncanville

Jahmius Ramsey

Jahmius Ramsey left his mark on the state of Texas by helping lead his team to a 6A State Championship. The Texas Tech signee averaged 20 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game while also locking down the opponent's best perimeter player the entire year.

Avery Anderson III Justin Northwest

Avery Anderson III

Avery Anderson III had a big time senior season that led to him being named MVP of the district. The Oklahoma St. signee averaged 22 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game.

RJ Hampton Little Elm

RJ Hampton

RJ had a huge junior season leading his Little Elm team to the second round of the playoffs where they lost to eventual 5A State Champion Mansfield Timberview. The top 5 2020 prospect averaged 32 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists per game.

Sam Williamson Rockwall

Sam Williamson

Sam had as good of a season as any player on this list. The Louisville signee averaged 25 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists per game for Rockwall. He led his team all season and came up with big game after big game when needed.

Second Team All-DFW

Chris Harris Jr. South Garland

Chris Harris Jr.

The Texas A&M signee averaged 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game. He was also one of the leaders in steals per game. Harris was big all year for South Garland as they fell one game short of a second straight State Championship appearance.

De'Vion Harmon Denton Guyer

De'Vion Harmon

The Oklahoma signee averaged 21 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game for one of the area's most talented teams. De'Vion had a big time high school career winning 2 gold medals for the USA team in addition to what he did for Guyer.

Jalen Wilson Denton Guyer

Jalen Wilson

Jalen Wilson helped form one of the best duo's in Texas high school basketball the last few years at Denton Guyer. The Michigan signee averaged 19 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game his senior season.

Isaiah Stevens Allen

Isaiah Stevens

Isaiah was arguably the best point guard in the city this year for Allen. The Colorado St. signee averaged 20 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds per game while leading a young and talented Allen squad.

Max Abmas Jesuit

Max Abmas

Max Abmas helped lead Jesuit to a great season this year. The Oral Roberts signee averaged 20 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists per game this season.

Third Team All-DFW

Mike Miles Lancaster

Mike Miles

Miles helped lead the Lancaster Tigers to a #1 5A State Ranking for close to two months. The junior averaged 20 points, 4 assists and 6 rebounds per game this season.

Marcus Sasser Jr. Red Oak

Marcus Sasser

Sasser was lethal all year long for Red Oak. He had some huge performances this season. The University of Houston signee averaged 23 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per game.

Julius Marble Jesuit

Julius Marble

Julius Marble may have helped himself more than any prospect in the country his senior season. The Michigan St. signee averaged 16 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists per game for Jesuit.

Trazarien White Mansfield Timberview

Trazarien White

Trazarien was a major factor for the best 5A team in the state. The Air Force signee averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists per game while leading Mansfield Timberview to a state title.

Jakevan Leftridge Wilmer-Hutchins

Jakevan Leftridge

Jakevan was huge for one of the best 4A teams in the state. The senior averaged 19 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game for Hutch.

The 2019 high school season has ended in most states. There are thousands of unsigned seniors across the country who all have had dreams of playing college basketball at the Division One level. That means there are thousands of players and parents who are panicking and even worse not listening to strong collegiate programs at the D2, D3, NAIA and Junior College levels. This is a common theme for some unsigned seniors and parents year after year.

I'm pleading with you players and parents to not limit your options to only D1 offers. I've heard of and seen first hand players and parents just ignore calls, recruitment and even offers from D2, D3, NAIA and Junior College programs. I've seen those same kids end up not playing collegiate basketball because by the time they realized they weren't going D1 those different level schools had moved on and signed another prospect.

The state of Texas has produced some of the best Division 2 players in the country, NAIA Texas Wesleyan won a National Championship a few years ago and Junior College basketball in Texas is second to none.

Players like Julian Miranda (Dallas Baptist) Chandler Jacobs (Dallas Baptist) David Chavlovich (West Texas A&M) Joel Murray(West Texas A&M) Marqualen Grant (West Texas A&M) and Caleb Jordan (St. Mary's) have all had or are in the middle of very successful D2 careers. Chavlovich of Arlington Bowie is West Texas A&M's All Time Leading Scorer and just signed a professional contract in Croatia. Miranda , Jacobsand Jordan are the last three winners of the Freshman of the Year Award in the Heartland Conference in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Grant was Freshman of The Year in the Lonestar Conference this year and Murray was First Team All-Defense.

All of these players were probably D1 level talents , they all decided to go D2 or were only offered by schools that weren't D1. They ALL hit the ground running and will have a chance to make some money one day playing this game. More importantly they will all receive college degrees for FREE.

Parents, remember this is about a free education. I've been on several interviews and nobody ever asked me what level my degree was. Players, remember this is about the opportunity to extend your dream of playing collegiate athletics. Be open to ALL levels when being recruited. Don't allow yourself to be D1 or Bust.

The 2019 UIL Playoffs have heated up quickly as only 14 DFW programs are still in pursuit of the dream every school had when the season started, a Texas state championship.

2021 Dallas Madison 6'0 G Jerome Rogers Jr.

In the 3A Division Madison is holding the DFW down as they prepare to face off against Tatum HS at Prosper on Friday night. The Trojans have been led by Jerome Rogers Jr., Jody Legans and Dominique Robinson in their quest for a UIL 3A State Men's Basketball Championship.

In the 4A Division upstart Faith Family will square off with Texarkana Pleasant Grove. Faith Family has been led by senior PG Rakim Gary and freshman phenom Trae Clayton along with a host of others.

Life School Waxahachie is also representing Dallas in 4A as they face a daunting task with the matchup vs. #2 4A Silsbee on Friday night.

Wilmer Hutchins 2019 6'5 F Jakevan Leftridge

Wilmer Hutchins looks like the team to beat in 4A in Dallas led by seniors Jakevan Leftridge and Davian Sanders. Hutch is the #1 team in the state and have shown no signs of slowing down. If Faith Family and Hutch take care of business Friday night they will face each other on Saturday for a trip to San Antonio.

In 5A we have Lancaster, Mansfield Timberview, Frisco Lonestar, Justin Northwest and Highland Park all still chasing a state championship title.

Highland Park may be the surprise of the group after taking down Kimball last week. They are led by sharp shooting senior Riley Seebold who leads the area in three point shooting. 2020 5 Star football recruit Prince Dorbah has also given the Scotts some big time production inside this season. They will need Dorbah to play big as Sulphur Springs will have one of the biggest and best front courts in the state with Cameron Kahn, Xavier Cork and Sadadriene Hall.

Justin Northwest 2019 6'2 G Avery Anderson III

Justin Northwest is looking to get back to San Antonio for a third consecutive year. They are led by seniors Avery Anderson and Sam Freeman. They have also received big contributions from juniors Julien Smith and Jaylen Peterson. They will play Amarillo Palo Duro Friday night and could possibly face Mansfield Timberview for a chance to get back to San Antonio on Saturday.

Mansfield Timberview 2019 6'5 F Trazarien White

Mansfield Timberview is looking to win a second state title in three years. This group is led by a veteran group of seniors who were all on the team that won state 2 years ago. Trazarien White, CJ Smith, Rod Soares and Tristen Starks. Coach Gregory is recognized as one of the best coaches in Texas as well. They will face Lubbock Monterey on Friday night and possibly tangle with Justin Northwest Saturday.

Lancaster HS 2020 6'2 PG Mike Miles

Lancaster has been the #1 team in the state in 5A for about 2 months now. They haven't lost a game since December. The Tigers have been led by arguably the best backcourt in the state Mike Miles Jr. and Wade Taylor IV. These two have been tremendous all year. Unheralded seniors Devon Miller and Jalen Roberts have been phenomenal all year for the Tigers as well. They will face Frisco Lonestar Friday night.

Frisco Lonestar 2019 6'6 F Isaiah Lewis

Frisco Lonestar had gone under the radar for much of the regular season because they played the early portion of their schedule without 2 starters. Marvin Mims and Julian Larry were both trying to lead Lonestar to a football state championship. They are both back and in complete basketball shape to go along with Northern Arizona signee Isaiah Lewis. The matchup with Lancaster Friday night looks to be a good one.

6A is loaded with ELITE individual talent as well as a Cinderella. I'll get started with Cinderella.

Euless Trinity has quietly put together the best season in their school's history. With Trinity alum Myles Turner watching they took out the heavily favored North Crowley team. They were led by dynamic senior guard Adrian Nunley who has been lights out for the Trojans this year. They will need him and a few others to take out the #1 6A team in the state Duncanville Panthers Friday night.

Duncanville 2019 6'4 G Jahmius Ramsey

Duncanville has been on a tear since Christmas winning the Whataburger Tournament Championship. They have been led by two top 50 players in the country in 2019 Texas Tech signee Jahmius Ramsey and 2020 Micah Peavy. The contributions don't stop there with players like JB Hill, Derek Luna and Damon Nichols Jr. also playing well for the Panthers. Their star power along with their depth make them a tough out. If the Panthers win Friday night they could face Denton Guyer on Saturday.

Denton Guyer 2020 6'8 F JaKobe Coles

Denton Guyer was the #12 ranked team in the country at one point this season. They are stacked with the likes of Oklahoma signee Devion Harmon, Michigan signee Jalen Wilson, JaKobe Coles and Tyler McGhie. Each of these players are capable of scoring 25 plus on any given night. Guyer looks to get to San Antonio for the first time with this group. They will face Odessa Permian on Friday night and a possible matchup with Duncanville on Saturday.

Rockwall 2019 6'7 G Sam Williamson

Rockwall will face off against a very good Klein Forest team from Houston on Friday night. McDonald's All-American Sam Williamson and McNeese St. signee Alec Grandstaff have proved to be a tough tandem to deal with. I wouldn't count a talent like Sam or this team out in any game they play, he's that special. If they can get through this one on Friday they could be looking at a matchup with South Garland on Saturday.

South Garland 2019 6'2 G Chris Harris Jr.

South Garland looks to head back to San Antonio after a tough loss in last year's semi-finals. They will be led by one of America's best HS backcourts in Kentucky signee Tyrese Maxey and Texas A&M signee Chris Harris Jr. They will face off against Spring HS who are led by their own high scoring backcourt of Keionte Cornelius and Christyon Eugene. This should be a very entertaining matchup of guards.

These teams have all done well advancing to this point in the season. There will be some very good teams and players that will play their final games on Friday night.

As we head towards the end of the regular season players and teams are beginning to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. There were several outstanding performances this week, the biggest one coming from a Dallas native playing in Florida.

2020 Montverde 6'7 G Cade Cunningham

Cade Cunningham was amazing for Montverde in a win over Oak Hill on Saturday. The top 10 G finished with 26 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds while playing phenomenal defense against the #1 PG in 2019 Cole Anthony. Cade led Montverde to a 20 point win and has his team primed for a National Championship run.

2019 Southlake Carroll 6'1 G Brandon Haddock

Brandon continues his high scoring act this season for Southlake Carroll. The unsigned senior guard scored 27 points in a win over Eaton. Brandon has been one of the top scorers over the last two years in the DFW.

Mansfield Timberview 2019 6'4 G Rodrigo Soares

Rodrigo has gone under the radar a bit this season at Timberview. The unsigned senior forward has been a key piece for one of the best teams in the state. He scored 25 points in a win over Crowley this week.

Frisco Lonestar 2020 6'2 G Julian Larry

Julian looks to be all the way back to basketball form for Lonestar. The pass first PG scored 25 in a win over Frisco Heritage. Lonestar looks to be a dark horse candidate for 5A this year. Julian will be vital to this team's success.

Episcopal School of Dallas 2019 6'7 F Keller Casey

Keller scored 30 points in a win over Westlake Academy. The senior has been terrific leading a young Episcopal team this season.